Do I have to have caesarian section?

Lauren - posted on 10/24/2009

I had both a vaginal and c-section :)

Kat - posted on 10/24/2009

Hi emma - maybe it depends on which country you live in - but i would say dont let anyone talk you into thinking you HAVE to have a caesarian section. I was 39 years old when i fell pregnant with my twin girls - i had previously had three single births - all the doctors were saying Caesar without even knowing me - i was very strong in saying that as long as the babies were in no danger and were presenting OK then i was leaving the caesar at the door - I was induced into labour at 38 weeks and delivered both the twins naturally - yes it was in the hospital which i probably would recommend - but here in australia our hospitals are pretty good and i was able to walk around, have a shower, and get myself comfortable. Then main thing was insisting that i know my body and what it can do - but that if there was a complication then i gave my permission to knock me out and do what they needed.



I had the last laugh when it was the midwife who delivered both my girls and the doctor stood back and just watched!!



good luck - dont worry and trust yourself!



importantly remember that any pain associated with labour is GOOD pain and there is a wonderful result at the end of it all!

Charlotte - posted on 10/10/2009

It does all come down to what position the first baby is in aslong as the first is head down you should be able to have then vaginaly. Both of my boys were head down and I was the first woman in the hospital I was at to have both vaginaly. I was also against the epidural. I made sure that my doctors understood that aslong as my babies were healthy and there were no complications I was going to try vaginaly. Mind you if there were any problems I was prepared for a C-section. With the epidural I did not want ones for my own personal reasons so I made sure I discussed this with the doctor and that he understood that. As there are other things they can give you if they need to do an emergency C-section. I hope you get the chance to deliver vaginaly but sometimes things happen and C-section is the only way. My boys were born at 37 weeks and were 30mins apart. 6pds 6oz. Definately stick to your guns but also be prepared for things to go the oposite way.

Melissa - posted on 10/10/2009

Absolutely not and don't let them think you have to. My first was 8pds 10oz and I had her naturally. When I found out I was having twins the doctors were encouraging me to do a c-section but I refused because I knew I could have them vaginally. They were born at 37wks 3 days, vaginally. Joseph came head first, but occiput posterior (sunnyside up) and Sarah was breech. Two pushes each and they were out 7 miniutes apart. 6pds 12oz and 6pds 10oz. You can do it and I highly encourage it if you can.

Liesel - posted on 10/10/2009

hey

unless there r complication with the bubs or they r in the wrong position there is no reason not to have them natural. i had my g/b twins in march an i had a choice until last minute but both twins were breech and i only had one placenta btween them so the doc said to be safe c-section would b best. u cant really prepare for it cos if u go early anything can happen just b open minded and get all the medical info u can so u know what they will do if they do c-sec. my first 2 single bubs were natural, quick under 2hour labors no dramas, but i went in2 labor at 32wks and stayed in labor 4 3wks to help them grow with lots of drugs i didnt want a c-sec but when the time comes ur head and heart will know what to do. good luck

Samantha - posted on 10/10/2009

I am mother of twins 3yr old girls who were born natural i was warned that they may have to c section for the second if there are complications so i had to have the epidural just in case but there weren't any which pleased me. Each birth is different but best advice is to speak to your doc and mid wife that are aware of all circumstances around your pregnancy. Not sure what happens with pool birth never concidered it myself but same speak with the doc or midwife they are best qualified to answer your questions.

Cinda - posted on 10/09/2009

I only had a c-section because baby b was breech & my drs didn't feel comfortable trying to turn him(ya know malpractice if something went wrong).

If you want to have them naturally then go for it!! Find a dr or mid wife who will accommodate what you want.

I live in a small town w/ only two gynos w/ in 50miles so that's why I went w/ it. I was scared about a c-section at first but going through birthing classes eased my fears.

Good luck I hope you get what you want!

Michelle - posted on 10/08/2009

honestly it depends on you doc i had my twins natural dejan was in position but nikta was breach it was a breeze but like my doc says not every doc has enough experace to do it my birth was completly plained even down to being induced

Evelyn - posted on 10/07/2009

I had an all natural delivery with my twins after I had the doctors trying to scare me into thinking I too would have to have a C-Section. My son was born head first, typical position but my daughter was a footling breach. I had been told that a C-Section would be necessary if she did not turn head first. I refused to have one and she was only 11 minutes after my son and no complications! Now I tell her she kicked her brother out :)

Alda - posted on 10/07/2009

It depends very much on how the babies lie just before the birth. I went into labour at 28 weeks and really wanted to have a vaginal delivery, but the doc said they were so fragile that he didn't want to take the chance of something going wrong, because he didn't know what was going on inside me. I was rushed for an emergency C-section which was a good thing, because twin 1 was a footling breech, had an abrupted placenta and a knot in her umbilical cord. If she had gotten stuck I would've lost the other one as well and possibly my own life. But many women with twins have vaginal deliveries, you'll just have to see what happens closer to the time. Good luck and try not to worry too much, what will be will be and worrying about it won't make you feel any better :)

Maggie - posted on 10/06/2009

it all depends on your babies. I had to have a csection because both my girls were breech (butt down) and no way to turn them, but before an ultrasound a week before i was scheduled, my doc and i strictly talked vaginal birth, but then with both breech, it was dangerous to try to have them vag....so again, it depends on your babies, but talk to your doctor, not friends and family

Toni - posted on 10/05/2009

My doctor tried to use scare tactics on me. She said there was a 50% chance of having a c-section after my first daughter was born. GET A SECOND OPINION. I had decided on the c-section until a nurse who was a high risk nurse and had delivered twins for thirty years came in and talked to me. She said they never recommend c-sections unless their were other health risks. I had my girls naturally and I am soo glad i went that way. I was up running around the day after. That would have never happened with a c-section. I gave birth in the OR for precaution and I had to have an IV in case something went wrong and i had to go to surgery. Those were the only stipulations i had. Good Luck! Its a beautiful thing! "God only trusts special people with twins" Some little old lady like 90y old told me that.

Monica - posted on 10/04/2009

no you dont. i had my first set all natural. my second set was csection only because of the position of the boy. so you wont know until its time and if both are in a good position. dont freak out.

Rachael - posted on 10/02/2009

Hi Emma! I have 6 month old fraternal twin girls named Gianna and Raina. I had both naturally, no epidural or anything, so it is definetly possible for you too! However, both of my girls were in the head down position and your's will have to be too without you having to get a c-section.

Kim - posted on 10/01/2009

Hi Emma,

This is definately NOT true. I had my twins natural. They were really big twins, one was 7lbs 6 oz and the other 6lbs. 7 oz. The caesarian depends on your pregancy and the health of you and the babies. I hope this helps!

Billie - posted on 09/29/2009

I had a caesarian with mine but one was breach and one was transverse. It really depends on the positon of the twins at the time of birthing and your prefrence. My cousin also had twins and she had them natural so I don't know. I do know that natural is the better of the two. I had natural with my second pregnancy and it was soooooo much better.

Amanda - posted on 09/28/2009

i had a natural birth with my now 15mnth old identical twins. and no pain relief ( good ol gas tho...) after much argument with doctors etc. they told me it was hospital procedure to have an epidural and i didnt want one......so after much debate and argument i told em if they didnt step down and let me then .........well i would deliver at home ( i wouldnt have actually done this but i must have sounded convincing....) , they also told me i wouldnt be able to move around , that i would be confined to the bed and constant monitoring, i wasnt having this either and told them the midwives had doplers and i wanted constant monitoring to make sure my babies were ok but i seen no reason to be confined for monitoring when there were perfectly good dopler monitors that could be used ...... i got my labour , my way !!! BUT apon saying this there are some situations where a c-sec would be required, mostly baby's not being in the right possition , twin 2 twin transfusion , or other complications, but if everything is order then no reason to have a c-sec and i was even offered one with everything being in place ~ nup i wanted natural !

Sharon - posted on 09/26/2009

I tried to have my twins naturally.. And it can be done. I ended up having to have a C-section due to the twins turning breech at the last second. Another concern they had was that the twins didnt have enough room for me to last the whole 40 weeks, I was induced at 38 weeks, and they had said that I was lucky if I had twins that weighed 5lbs... Leigh-Anne which was the first born was 7lbs4oz, and Ashley who came a minute later weighed 7lbs10oz... Should you have to have the C-section it really isnt that bad.. :) Good luck!

Heather - posted on 09/22/2009

No you do not have to have a c-section, but you should prepare yourself for a vaginal delivery or a c-section. I was planning on having a vaginal birth and ended up having an emergency c-section, cause the babies heart rates were dropping. I hope this helps...

Jackie - posted on 09/22/2009

if baby a is NOT breech, there's a pretty good chance you won't have to have a c-section. my jackson (baby a) was breech and i had to have a c-section.

Leanne - posted on 09/22/2009

i delivered my twins girls in july. I had a 3hr labour with only gas n air and didnt have a c-section. i delivered in a normal delivery room. 2nd twin was the bigger of the two, & was breech. I actually found this labour easier than my first child which i had an epidural.

Shanda - posted on 09/22/2009

It will be up to your doctor and probably your health. I had a c-section, my doctor didn't even ask if I wanted a natural birth. However, the doctors in my area don't even do pool births. So, it will most likely depend on the area you live in and the doctor you have. I do know that it doesn't ALWAYS have to be a c section. Talk to your doctor.

Michelle - posted on 09/21/2009

I just had fraternal boys on Aug. 29. They were born vaginally. They were both head down. Owen came first, and he was the littler of the 2 (6lbs 3oz). And then 19 mins later Benjamin was born (7lbs 14oz). They put me on the drip to get me contracting again after Owen was born, and used the vacuum on Benjamin. Everyone told me that I was going to go early, and I would prob. have a c-section. I was 37 weeks and 5 days when they sent me to the hospital for an induction...Don't let anyone scare you. Just ask your OB a ton of questions, and educate yourself! Please watch this video! It will inspire you!

Justine - posted on 09/21/2009

I think the important thing is not to be focussed on having a 'natutal' birth, but just on what is best for your babies - listen to the advice of your consultant or midwife, not anyone else. More than anything, you need to be prepared for any eventuality, even if the doctor says your fine to go ahead with a natural birth, this may not be how it works out on the day.



I had my twin girls by caesarian with an epidural (the second baby was breach), this means that I was fully awake and my husband was right there and we both got to see them the very second they came out - and at that point nothing else mattered at all, just that my girls were there, and they were both fine. I felt totally connected to them imemdiately despite not having pushed them out - it was still a magical experience for me.



There can be risks to the second twin so please just listen to medical advice only, and try to get used to the idea that you may not be able to have a natural birth.



There are some ideals that you may have had about pregnancy, childbirth and your baby that you may have to learn to let go of now that you are having twins, as some things may just not be possible with two babies. However, having twins is truly a double blessing - I was terrified when I found out I was having twins and didn't think I could cope at all, but they are nearly two now and every single day with them has truly been a blessing - and what's more, now they are older they play together as well, making them much easier than a singleton toddler who demands attention from mum all of the time!

Joey - posted on 09/20/2009

Hi! I am 27 wks and have been having this same conversation with every medical staff person I run into! I am also having b/g twins. Mainly I just keep saying NO to the c-section! I had my 1st child vaginally and she was over 9lbs with a 13in head so I don't see any reason why I cant do the same this time-they pretty much say the babies will be smaller! LOL! The drs all back down pretty quickly when I say no too! However, if it comes down to the babies being in danger I'm prepared to do whatever is nessesary to save them. Good Luck!

Jennifer - posted on 09/20/2009

My first doctor never gave me a choice, he said c-section, no ifs-ands-or-buts about it. I was not happy. I started looking into switching to another doctor, and finally went back to the doctor that delivered my DD when I was 26 weeks. He told me that delivering vaginally wouldn't be a problem as long as the babies were in the proper position, and no complications arose during labor. I ended up going into preterm labor at 30 weeks while grocery shopping, and was lucky enough that the doctors were able to stop it, but I was to be kept in the hospital on bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. Twelve days later, I woke up in the middle of the night, went to the bathroom (I was allowed to do that at least!), called for the nurse b/c I thought my placenta had abrupted. Turns out I was in labor.....hard labor. I had no idea. The dr. checked me...I dilated from 2 to 10 while she was checking me and then she had feet in her hands.....and I didn't feel even one contraction. My boys were born via emergency c-section, as twin A had flipped from head down to breech while I was sleeping (I had had an ultra sound at about 8pm, and went to sleep around 9), and twin B was breech also. It wasn't what I wanted, but at that point, all I was concerned about was whether or not my boys were ok, so I didn't care. My case WAS AND IS A RARE CASE, and I don't mean to scare you. My main point is that if you do have to have a c-section, you're not going to really care at that point....you're going to be more focused on your two little babies. I would say hope for a vaginal delivery, but don't be too surprised if a c-section is needed....it can be that way with a singleton also. Make sure to ask lots of questions, and become familiar with the nurses and doctors that will be working with you throughout your pregnancy...it will make a huge difference. The nurses in the OR with me were the same nurses that were taking care of me during my stay at the hospital, and I had met all the doctors on staff at least twice, along with the anesthesiologist....so when things happened so quickly and my husband was driving to the hospital from an hour away while our babies were being born, I was surrounded by people that were familiar to me, which was comforting and made things so much easier for me.
Good luck to you, and congratulations on your two little ones! May you enjoy them as much as I enjoy mine!

Katie - posted on 09/20/2009

I had my twins in April by c-section. My OB said that I could have them vaginally if they both were head down, but by 38 weeks I was miserable and baby A was breech and baby B was kind of oblique, with absolutely no room for them to turn. I think it all depends on the babies and your doctor. don't listen to friends and family because most of them probably don't know what they are talking about. my suggestion is to talk to your doctor or midwife about your delivery options at your next appointment.

Danielle - posted on 09/20/2009

I had my twins vag/natural at 39wks 4days. It's more than possible! Cograts & good luck!

Emma - posted on 09/20/2009

Thankyou so much for all your responses, I have hospital routine check up on thursday so even though my mind is at slight more ease im going to talk about it with them then. :) appreciated all replies, thankx

Heather - posted on 09/20/2009

Twin A was head down for my whole pregnency. My doctor never mentioned a c-section. I went into labor on my own at 32 weeks. They were both born vagianly after 4 hours of labor. I had an epidural because the doctor told me it was a possibility that the first would be vaginally and second could be a section, twin B was laying sideways, so depending on which way she flipped depended on how she was delivered. Luckily when twin A was born twin B moved right into position and was born 2 minuted later. My neighbor had her twins vaginally also, A was delivered head down and B was delivered breech. Talk to you doctor once you get closer. I had another baby a year after my twins who ended up being a c-section becuase I wouldn't dialate after 12 hours of labor, so a c-section is always a possibility not just because you are having twins, but because you are having a baby. :) Try not to stress about it and enjoy the rest of your pregnency. Good luck.

Summer - posted on 09/20/2009

My fraternal twin boys are 2. My doctor left that decision up to me. She said like someone said earlier that no matter which choice (vaginal/c-section) we'd do it in the OR and she highly recommended an epidural. I chose c-section simply because she said there was a chance I'd have to have one with the second baby anyway and I really didn't want to be sore in two places. Plus I had my first son vaginally, and it was a really hard labor. I had an epidural with him also, so it wasn't the pain that bothered me so much. I had to push for like 2 1/2 hours because he was so big, and then they ended up having to assist with that vaccuum thing that leaves a big suction bump on top of their head. It supposedly doesn't hurt them at all and it went away before we left the hospial, but it sure was scary looking. He was 9 lbs. 2 oz. My sister was also highly terrified of an epidural, but she ended up having to have an emergency c-section and after they gave the epidural to her she said it wasn't nearly as scary as she thought it would be. To me it didn't even feel as painful as like getting a vaccination or some other kind of shot. Your legs do feel kind of funny, but it's not like it feels like they aren't there anymore or anything. I'm kind of a weenie when it comes to pain, so it was an easy choice for me to go with the epidural. The good thing is you have time to decide, so try not to worry too much while you weigh your options. I know that is easier said than done though. Good luck and congratulations, they are truly a blessing.

Shannon - posted on 09/20/2009

I had twin girls 5 years ago. They were born very early and it really surprised me. I hadn't even had time to think about what way to go. Most doctors are going to tell you a c-section. If I knew then what I know now I would have gone with the c-section. Thought I had a gas problem so i went to the hospital cause it was hurting pretty bad. I was at the hospital 15 minutes and the first twin was born vaginally and the second flipped and was breach and in distress. I had to have an emergency c-section. They were both head down, but the doctors will tell you the second one willusually turn around on you and end up having a vaginal/c-section birth. This really is not fun. It's your decision, but talk with your doctor about it.

Renee - posted on 09/20/2009

Every pregnancy is different. I had one twin vaginally and the 2nd by c-section. Wasn't prepared for that. I didn't know too many people that this happens to. Just be prepared for anything. You don't have to have a c-section (unless there would be some medical reason for it. I agree with Danielle though, that having them at the hospital would be a good choice because if there is a problem that you'd need assistance to get the 2nd baby out, you are right there. It's all wonderful and twins are such a joy. Best of luck!

Danielle - posted on 09/19/2009

I am SO glad I helped..I think you just made my night also b/c it feels so good to know that I helped someone :)

Emma - posted on 09/19/2009

Thankyou!!!!! :-) Ahhhhh I'm going to get a whole night's sleep now I'm not worrying as much... Yeyyyyy. :-) x

Danielle - posted on 09/19/2009

I was terrified about the birth and I was really scared about having twins b/c I was nervous I wouldn't be able to take care of them by myself..and it was a little overwhelming at first but I got the hang of it and its not as stressful as ppl say. I have so much fun with my girls (they are 5 1/2 months now). The epidural is scary for a lot of ppl and I hate needles and it really was not bad at all. It does make you partially numb from the waist down but it makes things so much easier b/c you still have some pain and pressure but its nothing like what you would have if you didn't have the epidural and also in case you tear or have an episiotomy you dont feel it as much when they sew you back up...trust me I totally can relate to why you are nervous and scared but it'll be just fine and in the end you will have two amazing little babies! If you ever need anymore advice I'd be happy to help in any way I can. I am definately not an expert but I can at least help with what has been working for me and then hopefully it'll help you :)

Emma - posted on 09/19/2009

Thankyou for responding to my post, It's actually made me feel a little bit better. :). Isn't epidural the one in your back which basically paralizes you tummy down? The thought of having that really scares me! Yeah the first twin is quite a lot bigger already which is good but the other twin is healthy still. Thankyou for the luck, I'm very excited but nervous about the birth.

Danielle - posted on 09/19/2009

You definately to not have to have a c-section! I had my girls in April and I had them vaginally...you probably will have to have an epidural though just in case anything would happen that you'd need a c-section but lots of moms with twins have had them vaginally, you will most likely have to deliver in the operating room either way though just simply b/c with twins you have to be extra careful and they just have you deliver in the OR as a precaution...my girls were born 6 mins apart and I was so thrilled that I did not have to go through surgery so don't worry about it. The factors they look at to determine if you can have them vaginally are this: the first baby (Baby A) needs to be slightly larger and head down b/c them if the second baby (Baby B) happens to flip and come out breech the doctor knows that the baby will fit through the birth canal b/c you already delivered the 1st baby which was larger...my girls were only 3 ounces difference in weight though...I hope this helps a little bit. Good luck with everything, its such a blessing to have twins